Toyota Highlander 2016 recalls, problems, complaints and safety
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Toyota Highlander 2016 and 111 complaints filed by owners. It has 55% fewer complaints than the average Toyota Highlander from 2016–2025 (249 per year).
These are recalls issued for this model and year, not for your specific car. A car may already be repaired or may not be included. Confirm with your VIN on NHTSA.
Own or buying a Toyota Highlander 2016? Enter its VIN to see its exact trim and engine, and confirm on NHTSA whether its recalls were repaired.
Recalls issued for the Toyota Highlander 2016
Electrical system
NHTSA campaign 16V775000 · 2016-10-24
What happens
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2016 Highlander vehicles manufactured May 26, 2016, to September 16, 2016. The brake fluid level sensor may not be connected to the wire harness, preventing the sensor from detecting the brake fluid level. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 135, "Light Vehicle Brake Systems."
Consequence
If the brake fluid level is low and is not detected, the braking performance may be decreased, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, as necessary, connect the wire harness to the sensor, free of charge. The recall began November 14, 2016. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this G03.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
Equipment and labels
NHTSA campaign 16V420000 · 2016-06-09
What happens
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2016 Toyota Camry and Highlander, 2015-2016 Toyota Tundra, Scion FR-S, and tC vehicles. The Load Carrying Capacity Modification Label may not reflect the correct added weight of the installed accessories. As a result, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Consequence
An incorrect label may lead an owner to overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
SET will notify owners, and provide a corrected label for placement over the inaccurate label, free of charge. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
The repair is free at any dealer of the brand.
There is also 1 recall on aftermarket replacement parts (headlights, pedals, etc.) that only apply if the car has that part installed.
Complaints from other owners
111 complaints filed with NHTSA by owners of this model.
14 with a crash · 1 with a fire · 11 injuries
Most reported problems on the Toyota Highlander 2016
- Brakes: 19 (17% of complaints)
- Electrical system: 14 (13% of complaints)
- Air bags: 10 (9% of complaints)
- Exterior lighting: 9 (8% of complaints)
- Engine: 9 (8% of complaints)
Complaints are written by owners and NHTSA doesn't verify each one. They're useful to spot trends.
What to check before buying a Toyota Highlander 2016
- Confirm by VIN on NHTSA that the recalls on this list were repaired.
- Brake hard somewhere safe: the car shouldn't pull to one side and the pedal shouldn't sink; check rotors and pads.
- Test lights, windows, locks, the screen and dashboard warning lights; have trouble codes scanned.
- The air bag light should come on for a second at start-up and go off. Confirm by VIN that air bag recalls were done.
- Get an inspection from an independent mechanic before paying.
Safety rating (NCAP)
| Overall | Frontal | Side | Rollover | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| 2016 Toyota Highlander SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Toyota Highlander recalls by year
- 2016 : 2 recalls · 111 complaints
- 2017 : 3 recalls · 270 complaints
- 2018 : 4 recalls · 268 complaints
- 2019 : 3 recalls · 492 complaints
- 2020 : 4 recalls · 319 complaints
- 2021 : 4 recalls · 529 complaints
- 2022 : 5 recalls · 261 complaints
- 2023 : 9 recalls · 185 complaints
- 2024 : 7 recalls · 43 complaints
- 2025 : 4 recalls · 10 complaints
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the Toyota Highlander 2016 have?
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls issued for the Toyota Highlander 2016. That doesn't mean every car has them open: confirm with the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. The repair is free at the dealer.
What is the most common problem with the Toyota Highlander 2016?
In complaints filed with NHTSA, the most mentioned component is: brakes (19 of 111 complaints). Complaints aren't verified one by one, but they show trends.
Model-level information from official NHTSA sources. Confirm by VIN on NHTSA. Not a substitute for a mechanical inspection.
Last updated: October 12, 2026. Sources: NHTSA vPIC (decoding), NHTSA Recalls, NHTSA Complaints and NHTSA NCAP (5-Star Safety Ratings).